Huawei nova 9 SE vs Asus ROG Phone 8 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 20, 2022 January 18, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 98.31 cm³ 111.96 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.55 "/g 3.01 "/g
Weight 191 g 225 g
Height 164.6 mm 163.8 mm
Width 75.6 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 7.9 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Black
  • Pearl White
  • Crystal Blue
  • Phantom Black
  • Rebel Grey

Display

Screen Size 6.78 " 6.78 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 88.2 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 388 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 165 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1600 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.02 mAh/in² 119.65 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.69 mAh/cm³ 49.12 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh 5500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 750

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A 1.4
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4, Bottom Port

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 16

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Huawei nova 9 SE and the Asus ROG Phone 8. Instead of getting bogged down in a spec sheet showdown, we'll explore how these devices translate technical capabilities into real-world user experiences.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureHuawei nova 9 SEAsus ROG Phone 8User Experience Impact
Interface DesignEMUI 12 (Android 11 base)ROG UI (Android 14 base)ROG Phone 8 offers a more up-to-date OS with potential UX improvements and longer software support.
Interaction FlowStandard Android navigation with Huawei customizationsGaming-centric UI with performance optimization featuresROG Phone 8 caters to power users and gamers; Nova 9 SE offers a more familiar Android experience.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibility featuresPotential for gaming-related accessibility enhancementsROG Phone 8 might offer advantages for gamers with specific needs, but details are limited.
ErgonomicsSlim and lightweight (191g)Larger and heavier (225g) – designed for extended gameplayNova 9 SE is more pocketable for everyday use; ROG Phone 8 prioritizes comfortable gaming sessions.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. The Nova 9 SE's 108MP main camera, while boasting impressive resolution, lacks optical image stabilization (OIS). Sarah might find capturing sharp images in low light or while moving challenging. Conversely, the ROG Phone 8, with its Sony IMX890 sensor and OIS, empowers Sarah to confidently capture stunning photos and videos even in demanding conditions. While the megapixel count is lower (50MP), the superior sensor technology and stabilization create a more satisfying user experience.

Scenario: Consider a mobile gamer, David. The ROG Phone 8's 165Hz AMOLED display, HDR10+ support, and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor deliver an incredibly immersive and responsive gaming experience. The advanced cooling system ensures sustained performance during marathon gaming sessions. The Nova 9 SE, with its 90Hz IPS LCD and Snapdragon 680, offers a decent multimedia experience but can't match the ROG Phone 8's raw power and visual fidelity. David would undoubtedly prefer the ROG Phone 8 for its dedicated gaming features.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For casual users: The Nova 9 SE's lighter weight, familiar Android experience, and lower price point make it a more accessible and practical choice.
  • For power users and gamers: The ROG Phone 8's cutting-edge hardware, gaming-focused features, and future-proof software updates justify the higher price tag.
  • For photographers: While the Nova 9 SE boasts a higher megapixel count, the ROG Phone 8's superior sensor, OIS, and advanced video capabilities provide a more compelling photography experience.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The choice between these devices hinges on individual priorities and usage patterns. The Nova 9 SE offers a well-rounded experience in a sleek and affordable package, while the ROG Phone 8 prioritizes performance and caters to the demands of mobile gaming enthusiasts.

My Choice: As Sophia Rodriguez, focusing on user experience, I would choose the Asus ROG Phone 8. While heavier and more expensive, its superior display, powerful processor, advanced camera technology with OIS, and future-proof software create a significantly more enriching and enjoyable user experience in the long run. The dedicated gaming features, though not personally relevant to me, demonstrate a commitment to a specific user group and highlight thoughtful design choices. Ultimately, the ROG Phone 8 embodies a design philosophy that prioritizes performance, quality, and user satisfaction, aligning with my analytical framework.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.